5 Easy Summer Desserts

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When the sun is blazing and the AC is losing the battle, the last thing you want is to turn on the oven. These easy summer desserts are made for those sticky, lazy, golden-hour kind of days—minimal effort, maximum reward. We’ve got a mix of desserts here that are no-bake, fruit-forward, and delightfully refreshing. Oh, and did I mention they’re really easy?

Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a backyard hang, or just want something sweet after dinner, these recipes have your name written in melty popsicle ink.

1. Pistachio Kulfi (No-Cook & Ultra Creamy)

This no-cook pistachio kulfi is the creamy summer dessert you didn’t know you needed. Made with rich pistachio cream, evaporated milk, and condensed milk, this shortcut version delivers the same nostalgic flavor of traditional Indian kulfi—without hours of simmering. It’s dense, nutty, and ridiculously easy to make in popsicle molds. Perfect for hot days, Diwali, or when you want something a little different than ice cream.

2. Lemon Posset (3-Ingredient Magic)

This easy lemon posset is creamy, tart, and basically magic. All you need is cream, sugar, and lemon juice—and the citrus thickens it without gelatin or eggs. (Here’s the science behind it if you’re curious!) It’s the ideal make-ahead summer dessert, especially when topped with fresh berries and a little powdered sugar. Elegant enough for dinner parties, effortless enough for a Tuesday night.

3. Rose and Saffron Kulfi (Quick & Floral)

Kulfi is good I had to throw it on this list twice. This quick rose and saffron kulfi is a floral twist on a classic Indian frozen treat. It’s infused with aromatic rose water, blooming saffron strands, and creamy milk for a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and beautifully unique. No ice cream maker, no long cooking time—just freeze and serve! A dreamy choice for summer entertaining or after-dinner indulgence.

4. Air Fryer Peaches (Quick & Caramelized)

These air fryer peaches are warm, caramelized, and take less than 10 minutes to make. Just slice, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and air fry until golden. Serve with yogurt, ice cream, or granola for a summer dessert that feels indulgent but couldn’t be easier. It’s like peach cobbler without the effort. And no need to turn on your oven!

5. Southern Peach Cobbler (Classic & Comforting)

Okay so this is the only recipe in the bunch that requires you turn on your oven, but I promise you it’s so worth it – I’d never make you turn your oven on in the summer heat otherwise! This southern-style peach cobbler is everything a summer dessert should be: buttery, golden, and bursting with sweet peaches. Made with pantry staples and your choice of fresh or canned peaches, this recipe is fuss-free but delivers bakery-level results. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a timeless, crowd-pleasing treat.